force of nature

ben_mushroom_diptych.jpg
Ben and a little mushroom, Canon Rebel Xti

This quote kicked my ass in the best way today:

“This is the true joy in life, to be used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, to be thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap. To be a force of nature instead of a feverish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am a member of a community and as a member it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can before I die. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch that I want to make burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
– George Bernard Shaw

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Hi, I’m Andrea

On this blog you’ll be learning with me how to use our voices, share our creative superpowers and live life in full color.

As an artist, photographer, life coach + mentor, I’m redefining what it means to be a SUPERHERO — ‘cause in my world, it’s got nothing to do with capes, spandex or sidekicks and everything to do with tenderness, intuition & baby steps of bravery.

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41 Comments

  1. Silvia

    wow.
    have a great weekend!!

  2. busymomma66

    I love the quote. I think I need to print it out an post it next to my bed to read every night. A great aspiration.
    The picture is adorable. What a beautiful face to wake up to.

  3. amanda

    i so needed that!

  4. Jen Downer

    FANTASTIC quote!!!! thanks!
    and a, what a great diptych of beautifullness. i heart it.
    love.

  5. Patricia

    Sweet Andrea,
    This quote exemplies giving and sharing of oneself individual gifts with others, their community and the world. This quote says skate, swim, swing from a vine, live out loud, stretch your creative muscle and say f*$k to the fear of inadequacy. Be the match not just the candle to stake your claim, claim your prize, live your life!
    Much love,
    Trish
    patriciadolan@comcast.net

  6. Kirsten Michelle

    He has so many incredible quotes that Mr. Shaw…I studied his work extensively back in theatre school.I’m not sure I’ve ever come across this one…or perhaps I have and it just didn’t resonate as deeply with where I was at.
    Thank you for sharing it today…along with she gorgeous images.
    I hope you are feeling better.
    xoxoxoxo

  7. Kirsten Michelle

    oops…i meant to say THESE gorgeous images 😉

  8. mamie

    perfect. what a quote.

  9. jen lemen

    oh my lord, i love love love this quote. thank you!

  10. DonnaG

    Oh, Andrea, this quote is so beautiful and perfect. I want to read it every single day. Thank you so much for sharing!

  11. jennlui

    wow what a really great quote! thank you so very much for sharing! this does make me think a bit differently as my role as a mother…

  12. jo anne

    thank you for this quote. perfect timing. 🙂

  13. Marianne

    Thanks for that – it is so affirming of the choices I’m in the process of making, and the things I’m in the process of letting go of this weekend. Top be a force of nature – amen to that sister. x

  14. spoiledonlychild

    The quote is lovely, but it is way too much pressure for me. As someone who has had issues with anxiety and insomnia, I’m trying to stick more with the “Accept each moment as it is,” rather than “You must kick ass every moment or you are a total failure and your life is meaningless!” I already give myself enough of that as it is.

  15. Lu

    he always has the best quotes…that sure gave me a sweet Jesus moment.

  16. amy

    i have read those wonderful words before but thank you for the reminder today.

  17. Mrs. G.

    Exquisite.

  18. Hillary

    Here’s to kicking ass and taking names! I needed this one so much right now. It speaks to my feeling that I’ve been complaining instead of taking the bull by the horns. Thank you Andrea.

  19. blackbird

    perfect.

  20. Julia

    Amen sister!
    These words couldn’t have come at a better time.
    🙂

  21. Rebecca

    Of course the photos and quote are perfect, as always. I’m also noticing lately that I LOVE your blog with the ads and books and all the new whozeewhats. Whatever criticism or concern there was about the… it’s a fabulous repository of things cool, beautiful, inspiring, etc.
    Thanks for the continuous stream of good stuff.

  22. Alison

    Aaahh that photo is adorable.
    Such a great quote, thanks for sharing.
    love
    Alison
    x

  23. Alison

    Aaahh that photo is adorable.
    Such a great quote, thanks for sharing.
    love
    Alison
    x

  24. Sandra Flear

    that is exquisite – a FORCE OF NATURE … powerful..

  25. Beth

    Ben and I have the same haircut. It looks cuter on him. 🙂

  26. Tara Arismendy

    What great inspiration for the day and the future.
    Today I will be triumphant even if it is bringing the trash cans up to the house before my neighbors call code enforcement.
    Baby Steps…

  27. Tara Arismendy

    What great inspiration for the day and the future.
    Today I will be triumphant even if it is bringing the trash cans up to the house before my neighbors call code enforcement.
    Baby Steps…

  28. kristina terrell

    Lovely post…..thank you.

  29. Belinda

    I wasn’t able to put a comment under the SARK interview, so I hope you don’t mind me putting it here (since I, too, would love a chance to win her book!). I had the most amazing dance tonight and felt so very connected to my partners. It was wonderful! Just thought I’d share.

  30. Belinda

    I wasn’t able to put a comment under the SARK interview, so I hope you don’t mind me putting it here (since I, too, would love a chance to win her book!). I had the most amazing dance tonight and felt so very connected to my partners. It was wonderful! Just thought I’d share.

  31. Julia

    Thanks for this quote! I’m going to hang it in my studio. You are an inspiration! Love your blog.
    Julia

  32. Jacquelyn

    I love this! I am going to print and hang in my lab. Thanks.

  33. Jacquelyn

    I love this! I am going to print and hang in my lab. Thanks.

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